Dorothy Marsil

Dr. Marsil is a Professor and Program Coordinator in the Department of Psychological Science. She joined KSU in 2005.

Broadly trained in experimental psychology, she earned her undergraduate and master's degree in psychology from the University of Tennessee. Earning her PhD at the University of Kentucky, her research examined the intersection of psychology and law through the lens of social cognition across different developmental periods in the lifespan.

At KSU, Dr. Marsil's research program examines interpersonal violence and issues in the legal system. She has published her research in Law and Human Behavior, Psychology, Public Policy and Law, Violence Against Women, Journal of American College Health, Elder Abuse and Neglect, Child Maltreatment, and Violence and Victims, and Child Abuse and Neglect.

Training and mentoring undergraduate researchers to foster personal and academic growth is an important part of her commitment to student success. Dr. Marsil is a member of the Council on Undergraduate Research and actively guides students in presenting their research at local, regional, national, and international conferences. 

As an instructor, Dr. Marsil uses best practices to promote a deeper understanding of the subject matter in the courses she teaches. She regularly teaches in-person, hybrid and online courses in introduction to general psychology, forensic psychology, lifespan development, child development, infant development, senior capstone seminar, and directed studies.